How is rubber processed?

Hint: Rubber is a natural polymer extracted from various plant sources. Various types of polyisoprenoids are used as natural rubbers and are classified as elastomers. It’s waterproof nature, high resilience and large stretch ratio make it extremely durable and convenient to use.

Complete answer:
Rubber is a secondary metabolite found in plants. It is majorly harvested in the form of the latex from rubber trees. The latex is a sticky colloid extracted from the bark of a rubber tree by making incisions. The fluid is collected by a process called tapping. The latex is further processed and refined to extract rubber. This extracted from rubber is sent for commercial processing.

To make the rubber stable chemicals are added to it. Usually to improve the strength and durability of the rubber, carbon black fillers are added to it. The mixture is blended and shaped by rollers or being pushed through holes. The shaping of rubber by rollers is known as calendaring and extrusion, which is the process of pushing it through holes. Next rubber is cooked with a required amount of Sulphur to create cross-links and extra bonds. This heat treatment is known as vulcanization. Any further impurities are removed from the rubber, and it is finally molded to give the final shape.

Note: The latex is extracted mostly from Hevea brasiliensis, a tree belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Rubber can either be of synthetic origin or natural origin. It has a wide variety of applications. It is used in tire making, insulation in electrical appliances, making protective gloves, blankets, and shoes.